Northern Hawks playmaker Scott Briggs to miss rest of Newcastle Rugby League season after being handed five-match suspension

Fronting the judiciary on Wednesday night, Briggs was given three games for contrary conduct and two games for striking after receiving separate charges from Saturday's loss at Cessnock.

He was sent off by referee Joey Butler following backchat, upgrading Briggs' initial 10 minutes in the sin bin for throwing punches.

Only four rounds remain this year and the Hawks, sitting 10^th on the ladder and 10 points outside the top five, can't make the 2023 finals series.

Northern, who were promoted to first grade after a reserves premiership in 2022, host Wyong on Sunday before meetings with Maitland, Macquarie and Souths.

Briggs, who has previously played at Cessnock, Macquarie and Central, made a mid-season return for the Hawks and sparked them to an inaugural win on May 21.

Northern teammates Paul Roberts and Aaron Brydon entered early guilty pleas this week.

Roberts won't be free to play again until the last round, copping three matches for a reckless high tackle, while Brydon (dangerous throw) escaped with a warning.

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